Using Mutation for the Assessment and Optimization of Tests and Properties

by Jeremy S. Bradbury

Abstract

We are interested in exploring the complementary relationship and tradeoffs between testing and property-based analysis with respect to bug detection. In this paper we present an empirical approach to the assessment of testing and property based analysis tools using metrics to measure the quantity and efficiency of each technique at finding bugs. We have implemented our approach in an assessment component that has been constructed to allow for symmetrical comparison and evaluation of tests versus properties. In addition to assessing test cases and properties we are also interested in using each to optimize the other as well as to develop hybrid quality assurance approaches. We hypothesize that the synergies of using testing and property-based analysis in combination will allow for optimizations in test suites and property sets that are not possible by using both approaches in isolation.

Bibliographic Information [Bibtex format]

@inproceedings{Bra06,
Author = {Jeremy S. Bradbury},
Booktitle = {Doctoral Symposium being held in conjunction with the International Symposium on Software Testing and Analysis (ISSTA 2006)},
Month = {Jul.},
Title = {Using Mutation for the Assessment and Optimization of Tests and Properties},
Year = {2006}}